From the epic mythologies of the Mabinogion through to the present day, birds have exerted a powerful influence on the literature of Wales. This unique anthology gathers together a remarkable range of poetry and prose, illustrating the the varied and multi-layered response of writers across many centuries. Birds are metaphors, cyphers for human experience; they carry our hopes, ambitions and emotions. Our lives and those of birds are intimately connected, yet birds also remain 'other'. Fragile yet marvellously enduring; majestic killing machines; birds are the spark for powerful writing: a cause of wonder, reverence and joyous celebration. This book is a must for poetry readers, nature lovers and true 'twitchers' alike. Includes R.S. Thomas, Dylan Thomas, William Condry, Gillian Clarke, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Tony Curtis, John Davies, Emyr Humphreys, Gwyn Jones, Jean Earle, Gwyneth Lewis, W.H. Davies, Francis Kilvert, Idris Davies, Christopher Meredith, Dafydd ap Gwilym, Sheenagh Pugh and Leslie Norris.